Soccer is more than just the results on the field but also what happens in the backend. Inter Miami has found traction a few years after its inception into the Major League Soccer. Although the arrival of Lionel Messi has changed its landscape, the role of the existing players in making Argentine’s time at the club vibrant appears to be successful. Julian Gressel, a defender for the club, defined how Messi’s close relationship with one player positively influenced the rest of the team.

According to the USMNT athlete, the club’s forward Leonardo Campana is the player who hit it off well with Messi. Speaking on the Player/Manager podcast, Gressel said, “He’s a connector in the locker room given that he can speak English and Spanish, he has a good relationship with the likes of Leo, Luis, Busi, and Jordi, and he can also connect with the younger guys.” The Ecuadorian international is well versed in English as well as Spanish, making it easier to communicate with the likes of Messi and former Barcelona stars feels Gressel.

Meanwhile, quite a few doubts were raised about the 8-time Ballon d’Or winner’s ability to cope with English after his move to the US. Nevertheless, the Inter Miami skipper still communicates in Spanish. Hence, Gressel underlines how Campana helps the other players work together effectively with Messi, Luis Suarez, Jordi Alba, and Sergio Busquets.

Campana is the second choice forward for Tata Martino most of the time after adding Suarez to the squad. But some of his contributions have been vital in their table-topping run. His goal and an assist helped David Beckham’s club secure 3 points against DC United at the Audi Field in March, and now he saved them from a losing 2 points by scoring in the 4th minute of stoppage time at the Chase Stadium against the same club. It looks like Miami is preparing itself for a tough couple of months coming up.

Inter Miami expects other players to give their best during Lionel Messi’s absence

Miami cannot just depend on Lionel Messi often. The Argentine captain has once again suffered injury issues in the last couple of months, making his availability uncertain. Additionally, Leo will miss five straight games due to Copa America in June/July. But Tata Martino feels the rest of his players will chip in to maintain their form in the Eastern Conference.

According to reports, he recently said, “If these players find themselves in form, with confidence, secure, and understand the challenges of the five games after St. Louis, it’s clear that we’ll be able to survive Copa America.” 

Additionally, the Argentine coach felt Campana and Robert Taylor would play a pivotal role during this period. Taylor took a step further and denied national duties for the club. In summary, with no goal contributions from Messi in the last two games and the club managing to stay firm, fans anticipate the Herons to be less dependent on the former PSG player. And this could be the biggest positive for the club.